(1): The offer, to those customers already inside your show, of theĬhance to see a really special added attraction, not advertised on the Present-day roadside museums are their descendants. Museums and the original freak shows, most popular primarily in the 19th andĮarly 20th Century. Performances, usually set up in an old store front. Museum - A collection of specimens, exotic objects and live acts and It is possible to stock the best prizes in areas the clawĬan't reach, or rig the claw to drop heavier prizes. Glass case, with a claw device above guided by the customer to try to pick up Man - An extra anchor stake for a guy wire or banner line, grounded inīaby - A gaffed exhibit, ostensibly a freak featuringįangs and claws, usually constructed to appear mummified or otherwise preserved.Ĭoin-op featuring flashy prizes heaped seemingly at When the mark pays to play, all 3 balls are removed and The deadball(s)ĭeaden the extra bounciness of the basket bottom, allowing thrown balls to In the target basket when demonstrating a 'bushel basket' game. TheĪnimated scary surprises inside are known as 'tricks' orĭeadball - A game ball (or two) which the agent leaves People use it anyway, it's all over the web -ĭark Ride - A 'haunted house' that you ride through. Look on this 'dictionary' as a comprehensive guide to life on the lot The former and present carnival, with language unsorted by era, don’t So as you read about the behind-the-scenes culture of

The world for the price of a ticket while delivering little or nothing.Įxcept where they’re not.

The trailer in the mud and shower under a cold-water hose, to promise Longer has any need to cheat the customer, for workers to sleep under

Pointed out (also by people who know first-hand) that the carnival no Their reputations as cheaters and unabashed crooks. It has been pointed out, by those whose credentialsĪre unimpeachable, that there was a time when carnies proudly earned Unless they’re 'every player wins a prize' hanky-panks. With the modern carnival (with games you’ll still rarely or never win, Here the old crooked carnival (with games in which youĬould be played until you literally lost a fortune) is mixed right in Makes no distinction between the way things were in the past and the way Guaranteed to give you many hours of delight, available for a very reasonable price List is just a small part of my e-book 'On The Midway,'

Private eye in old lingo